§ Captain Stricklandasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps are being taken by his Department to provide for the setting up of commercial attachès of sound business experience on the staff of all British Embassies and consular offices.
§ Mr. JohnstoneThe commercial work of His Majesty's Embassies, Legations and Consulates is performed by members of His Majesty's Foreign Service. The knowledge acquired by these officers in the course of their duties, which cover a wide range of economic and commercial subjects, is regarded as being a more useful qualification than a specialised business experience would normally provide. I am, however, considering the appointment of market officers with long experience of local markets to assist in the Commercial Departments of His Majesty's Missions and Consulates.